Friction-spring.



No. 767,479. PATENTED AUG. 16, 1904.

P. HIEN.

FRIGTION SPRING.

APPLICATION FILED DEQ. 17, 1902.

N0 MODEL. 3 SHEETS-' SHBBT 1.

, I 1 mi@ @a T I @nl Q 6./ W@ ,ay MM WM@ No. 767,479. PATENTED AUG. 16, 1904. P. HIEN.

PRICTION SPRING.

APPLIOATION FILED DB0. 17. 1902. j No MODEL. s SHEETS-SHEET 2.

@Mar/zgan No. 767,479. PATENTED AUG. 16, 1904,

P. BIEN.

FRIGTION SPRING.`

APPLICATION FILED DEO. 17. 1902. y. NO MODEL. 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

UNITED STaTas Patented August 16, 1.904.

PHILLIP HIEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

FRlCTlON-SPRING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 767,47 9, dated August 16, 1904.

pplcation lcl December 17,1902. Serial No. 135,572. (No model.)

To all whom, t ntcty con/cern.-

Be it known that I, PHILLIP HIEN, a citizen of the United States, residing' at Chicago, county of Cook, State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Fri ction-Springs; and I declare the following` to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being' had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this speciication.

My invention relates in general to apparatus for yieldingly resisting a strain or gradually absorbing' a shock or sustaining a load, and more particularly to the type of such apparatus forming the subject-matter of pending' application, Serial No. 116,187, filed by me on July 19, 1902, and of Patents Nos. 715,068 and 715,069, granted to me on December 2, 1902.

The expansion and compression of the open spring-rings incident to the operation of the character of apparatus covered by the pending application and patents referred to produce the greatest strain upon the portions of the rings opposite to the openings between the ends. In order that the strain may be effectively sustained, I provide in my present invention rings of a graduated, radial, or transverse width, each ring where the greatest strain occurs being made of greater radial width than the rest of the ring, the width gradually diminishing in opposite directions toward the ends of the ring.

By reference to Patent No. 715,069 it will be observed that the expansion and compression of the series of rings produce relative movements between the radial surfaces of the rings and the adjacent radial surfaces of the iianges or plates interposed between the pairs of rings, as well as between the surface of each end expansible ring and the engaged surface of the adjacent follower. It is consequently desirable that provision should be made for preventing the wear to which the plates and followers are subjected through the frictional contact ofthe rings therewith forming grooves in the surfaces of the plates and followers, which would produce uneven frictional contact.

The primary object of my present invention is to provide in an apparatus of the type referred to expansible and compressible resilient elements which will possess a maximum tensile strength with a minimum amount of metal and to provide radial frictional surfaces to be engaged by the resilient elements which will withstand the wear incident to the operation of the apparatus without the formation therein of grooves, and thereby insure permanent uniform frictional contact.

A further object of my invention is to provide an apparatus of the character referred to which will be simple in construction and eflcient and durable 'in use.

My invention will be more fully described hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same is illustrated as embodied in several convenient and practical forms, in which- Fig'ure 1 is a longitudinal sectional View showing the apparatus subjected to suiiicient compression to remove the normal camber of the rings; Fig. 2, a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the position of the parts when subjected to sufcient compression to expand and compress the rings; Fig'. 3, a transverse view on line 3 3, Fig. 2; Fig. e, an elevational view of one of the compressible rings; Fig. 5, an elevational view of one of the expansible rings; Figs. 6 and 7, plan views of the compressible and eXpansible rings, respectively; Fig. 8, a sectional view of one of the followers; Fig. 9, a view similar to Fig. 8, showing a modiiication; Fig. IO. an elevational view looking from the rig'ht in Fig. 11; Fig. ll, a central sectional view through one of the end sections of the telescopic core; Fig. 12, a view similar to Fig. 1l, illustrating a modification; and Fig. 13, a longitudinal vertical section through the central 'section of the core.

Similar reference characters are used in the l several figures of the drawings to indicate similar parts.

The general construction and operation of the ajiparatns herein disclosed are fully described in my prior patent, No. 715,069. It will be only necessary in the present case to describe the features of construction possessed by the invention herein disclosed over the apparatus illustrated and described in the patent referred to.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the radial flange or plate E is provided with a groove f on the surface thereof, which is engaged by the radial surface of the adjacent compressible ring C'. The plate E is also provided with an annular shoulder F', which serves to retain the ring C concentrically with respect to the end section D of the core. A groove f2, similar tothe groovef, is provided in the plate E2 at a point adjacent to a circular fiange e, which projects laterally from the end section D2 of the core. A shoulder F2 is also provided upon the surface of the plate E2 to center the ring C2 with respect to the end section of the core. The opposite surfaces of the radial flange or plate E are provided with grooves f, located adjacent to the tubular flanges e3 and di, respectively, which project in opposite directions and constitute the central section D of the core. The opposite surfaces of the plate E are also provided with shoulders F, which are engaged by the compressible rings C3 and Cl when the latter are in their expanded condition and serve to retain the rings concentrically with respect to the section of the core which they surround.

In order that the expansible rings B and may not wear grooves in the surfaces of the followers A/ and A2, which they engage, the surfaces of the followers are cut away, as shown at nl. and c", respectively. The radial plates E and E2 project only to the exterior of the expansible rings B3 and Il* when they are in their expanded condition, as shown in Fig. 1.

When the apparatus is subjected to sufficient compression to effect an expansion and contraction of the several rings from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 2. the movement of the compressible rings with respect tothe surfaces which they engage en the plates or flanges merely wears away the material between the shoulders F. FQ and F2 and the grooves f, f, and f2, respectively, and does not form an uneven surface between the respective sections of the core and the shoulders F, F, and F2, as might otherwise occur if the grooves f, f', and f2 were not provided. In other words, if it were not for the grooves f, f, and f the surfaces on the plates which are engaged by the rings might be worn more throughout the portion in constant engagement with the rings during their compression than would the portion between the rings in their expanded condition shown in Fig. 1 and the corresponding section of the core.

In order to avoid the surfaces on the plates which are engaged by the expansible rings becoming' uneven through the constant wear upon the portions thereof engaged by the rings shown in Fig. 1 and the portions which are only enga-ged when the rings are expanded from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 2, the plates on the sections ofthe core do not extend beyond the expansible rings when the latter are in their contracted position, (shown in Fig. 1,) while the surfaces on the followers are cut away throughout the portion thereof outside of the end expansible rings when the latter are in their contracted position. Consequently the movement of the expansible rings relatively to the engaged surfaces merely tends to wear away the engaged surfaces evenly, as is evident from an inspection of Figs. 1 and 2.

In Fig. 8 I have illustrated a modified means of preventing the surface of the followers from being unevenly worn away by the end expansible rings, consisting ina ring G', of a metal capable of withstanding greater frictional wear than is the material of which the followers are made. rIhese rings maybe loosely engaged with the followers by their surrounding the annular flange d, or the reinforcing-ring may be partially inserted within a groove formed in the follower, as shown 'in Fig. 9, in which figure H2 indicates the reinforcing-ring of hard metal, which is partially embedded in the surface of the follower A2 and surrounds the flange ai thereon. The surfaces of the plates or flanges which extend radially from the several sections of the core are likewise reinforced by similar rings either surrounding the cylindrical portions of the core, as shown in Fig. 11, or partially enibedded in the plates or flanges, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13.

Referring more in detail to Figs. 10 and 11, G5 indicates a ring of hard metal which loosely surrounds the cylindrical flange ci on the section D of the core and is supported thereby. g3 indicates a ring of hard metal, which surrounds the tubular flange t" on the section D/ of the core and is preferably provided with a shoulder G for centering the compressible ring with respect to the core. The reinforcing-rings which are engaged by the compressible rings preferably terminate a sufhcientpdistanee from the exterior of the tubular projections on the sections of the core to leave a groove corresponding, in effect, to the grooves f, f', and f2, formed directly in the metal of which the sections of the core are formed in the construction illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The rings may be maintained the desired distance from the tubular portions of the sections of the core by means of the lugs-as, for instance, cZ-which serve as stops IOO IIO

extending between the open ends of the rings to retain the same in the desired positions, as shown, for instance, in Fig 3. The lugs may be provided with notches, as shown in Fig'. 11, to receive the reinforcing-ring and retain the same the desired distance from the tubular portion of the sections of the core.

Referring more in detail to Figs. 12 and 13, /L indicates reinforcing-rings, which are partially embedded in the opposite surfaces of the radial plate or flange E. These rings are provided with shoulders H to center the friction-rings and preferably terminate distances from the cylindrical portions e3 and e* of the central section D of the core sufficient to form grooves, as clearly shown in Fig. 13. h3 and /indicate reinforcing-rings partially embedded in the opposite surfaces of the radial flange or plate E, the ring h3, with a shoulder H3, to center the compressible ring adapted to coperate therewith.

It is obvious that when the friction-rings are placed under tension by reason of compression or expansion the greatest strain occurs at a point diametrically opposite the openings between the ends of the rings. In order, therefore, that each ring may be capable of sustaining the strain imposed upon it, it is formed of greater radial thickness or width at a point diametrica-lly opposite the opening' between its ends and tapers or diminishes in radial width gradually from such point of maximum thickness toward its ends. Fig. 3 shows a compressible ring CQ surrounded by an expansible ring B', the radial width of each of which is graduated in the manner above described.

The friction-rings are slightly spirally disposed or cambered, as indicated in Figs. 6and 7, to form the function fully set forth in my co pending' application and patents previously referred to.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that I have invented an apparatus of the type covered by my prior patents and pending application, in which the friction spring-rings are of graduated resiliency,therev by graduating' the tensile strength in proportion to the weight thereof. It will also be observed that in the improved apparatus forming the subject-matter of this application the frictional plates engaged by the eXpansible and compressible rings are provided with means rendering them capable of withstanding the wear incident to the operation of the apparatus without becoming unevenly worn, thereby insuring uniform frictional engagement between the surfaces of the 4rings and the surfaces of the plates throughout the life of the apparatus.

Thile I have described more or less precisely the details of construction, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself thereto, as I contemplate changes in form, the

proportion of parts, and the substitution of equivalents as circumstances may suggest or renderexpedient Without departingfrom the spirit of my invention. I do not, however, claim the invention herein disclosed generically, inasmuch as the generic invention common to this application and to my prior application, Serial No. 116,187, filed July 18, 1902, is claimed in said prior application; nor do I claim the generic invention disclosed in common by this application and my prior patent, No. 715,069, dated December 2, 1902, as such common invention is claimed` in said prior patent; but I do claim in this application only the features of construction not disclosed in either my said prior application or my said prior patent.

Having n ow fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. AA device of the character described comprising a series of resilient elements having inclined frictional surfaces, the surfaces on adjacent elements adapted when said series of elements are subjected to compression to be relatively moved through engagement with each other thereby placing said resilient elements under tension, each of said resilient elements being of graduated resiliency.

2. A device of the character described comprising a series of resilient rings having inclined frictional surfaces adapted when said series of rings are compressed to be relatively moved thereby placing said rings under .tension, each of said rings being of graduated resiliency.

3. A device of the character described comprising an eXpansible resilient ring of graduated resiliency and a compressible resilient ring said rings having complementally-inclined engaging frictional surfaces.

4L. A device of the character described comprising an eXpansible resilient ring and a compressible resilient ring of graduated resiliency, said rings having complementallyinclined engaging frictional surfaces.

5. A device o'f the character described comprising a series of open spring-rings having inclined frictional surfaces, each of said rings being of graduated resiliency, and inclined frictional surfaces engaged by the inclined surfaces of said rings, whereby when said rings are subjected to compression they are placed under tension through the engagement of the inclined surfaces thereof with the cooperating inclined surfaces.

6. A device of the character described comprising a series of spirally-disposed open spring-rings having -inclined frictional surfaces, each of said rings being of graduated resiliency, and inclined frictional surfaces engaged by the inclined surfaces of said rings, whereby when said rings are subjected to compression they are placed under tension IOO IIO

through the engagement of the inclined surl plates, and means for insuring a permanent faces thereof with the cooperating inclined l uniform engagement between the frietional surfaces.

7. ln an apparatus of the character described, an open spring-ring of graduated resiliency having' an inclined frietional surface adapted to be engaged by a similarly-inclined surface to impart tension to the ring.

8. ln a device of the character described, a spirally disposed open spring-ring of graduated resiliency havii'ig inclined frietional surfaces adapted to be engaged by similarly-inclined surfaces.

9. 1n a device of the character described,

the combination with followers, of a core supported by said followers, a series of resilient elements having inclined frietional surfaces interposed between said 'followers and surrounding said core, each of said resilient elements being' of graduated resiliency.

10. In a device of the character described, the combination with an expansible resilient ring, of a compressible resilient ring, said rings being of graduated resiliency and having` inclined frietional engaging surfaces, and a core surrounded by and supporting said ring.

11. A device ofthe character described comprising a series of relatively movable elements having' engaging frictional surfaces, and means for insuring a permanent uniform engagement between the frietional surfaces on said relatively movable elements.

12. In a device of the characterdescribed, the combination with a series of resilient elements, of a series of non-resilient elements supported adjacent to said resilient elements, said resilient and non-resilient elements having engaging frietional surfaces whereby when said resilient elements are flexed the frietional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaged frietional surfaces on said non-resilient elements, and means for insuring a permanent uniform engagement between the frietional surfaces on said resilient and non-resilient elements.

1?). vln a device of the character described, y

f faces thereon are moved relatively to the enthe combination with a series of spring-rings, of a series of plates supported adjacent to said rings, said rings and plates having engaging frietional surfaces whereby when said rings are flexed the frietional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaging frietional surfaces on said plates, and means for insuring a permanentuniform engagement between the frietional surfaces on said rings and said plates.

11. ln a device of the character described, the combination with a series of spring-rings, of a series of plates, a core surrounded by and supporting said rings and plates, said rings and plates having' engaging frietional surfaces whereby when the rings are flexed the said. frietional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaged frietional surfaces on said surfaces on said rings and said plates.

15. ln a device of the character described, the combination with a series of eXpansible spring-rings having inclined frietional surfaces, of a series of compressible spring-rings having inclined frietional surfaces engaging the inclined frietional surfaces on the expansible rings, a core surrounded by and supporting said rings, radially-projecting plates carried by said core, said compressible and eX- pansible rings having frietional surfaces adapted to engage and move relatively to said plates when the rings are respectively com pressed and expanded, and means for insuring a permanent uniform engagementbetween the frietional surfaces on said rings and said plates.

16. In a device of the character described, the combination with a series of compressible spring-rings, of a core surrounded by and supporting said rings, and radially-projecting plates carried by said core, said spring-rings having frietional surfaces adapted to engage and move relatively to said plates when the rings are compressed, said plates having grooves formed therein adjacent to the core.

17. 1n a device of the character described, the combination with a series of resilient elements, of a series of cooperating elements supported adjacent to said resilient elements, said resilient and cooperating elements having engaging frietional surfaces whereby when said resilient elements are flexed the frietional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaged frietional surfaces on said cooperating elements, and means for insuring a permanent uniform engagen'ient between the frietional surfaces on said resilient and cooperating elements.

18. In a device of the character described, the combination with a series of resilient elements, of a series of cooperating elements supported adjacent to said resilient elements, said resilient and cooperating elements having engaging frietional surfaces whereby when said resilient elements are flexed the frictional surgaged frietional surfaces on said cooperating elements, the area of the frietional surfaces on said cooperating elements corresponding in extent to the position of the frietional surfaces on the resilient elements when the latter are in their unflexed condition.

19. In a device of the character described, the combination with a series of springsrings, of a series of plates, a core surrounded by said rings and supporting said plates, said rings and plates having engaging frietional surfaces whereby when the rings are fiexed the said frietional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaged frietional surfaces on said plates, the area of the frietional surfaces on said plates corresponding in extent to the IOO IIO

IZO

position of the frictional surfaces on the rings frictional surfaces on said plates being cnt when the latter are in their unlexed condition. away beyond the frictional surfaces of the 20. 1n a device of the character described, rings when the latter are in their contracted the combination with a series oi' expansible condition.

5 springrings, of a series of plates supported In testimony whereoIl I sign this speeifica- I5 Y adjacent to said rings, said rings and plates tion in the presence oi' two witnesses. Y having engaging frictional surfaces whereby PHILLIP HIEN. when the said rings are expanded the frietional Witnesses: surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the GEO. L. WILKINSON,

IO engaged frictional surfaces on said plates, the C. C. CUNNINGHAM. 

